Gratitude for Better Mental and Physical Health
Gratitude is about recognizing, acknowledging, and being grateful for the good things in our lives (Neff & Germer, 2018).
We invite you to write down 5 things in your life that you are grateful for.
They can be big things (for example, something that is ok about your health, a friend, shelter, etc.) or small things that you often overlook and are grateful for (for example, rays of sun in the morning, a warm cup of tea, a friendly hello). Small things are key, and gratitude may feel more powerful when we focus on small things!
How do you feel after this exercise, compared to before?
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Possible Benefits: "If we just focus on what we want but don't have, we'll remain in a negative state of mind. But when we focus on what we do have, and give thanks for it, we radically reframe our experience.... Gratitude involves recognizing the myriad people and events that contribute to the good in our lives…Research shows that gratitude is…strongly linked with happiness” (Neff & Germer, 2018, pp.161-162). And this of course has a positive impact on our mental health, which in turn helps improve our physical health as the two are connected.
Gratitude exercise is adapted from: Neff, K. and Germer, C. (2018). The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive. The Guildford Press.
Improve Mood, Energy Focus and more…
"TIME TO GET PHYSICAL” - Regular enjoyable exercise has many benefits including improving mood, increasing energy, focus and more. GBC Recreation has put together numerous On Demand workouts, Insta Live Workouts and much more! Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
Fun Walking Outside and Physical Health:
How many shades of colour can you count?
• You are invited to go on a walk outside where there is some nature. Walk around slowly with curiosity, pausing where you want to, appreciating what you see.
• Maybe there are trees, leaves on the ground, flowers, or birds. How many shades of different colours can you discover on your walk?
Going on a walk can really help improve physical and mental health. Noticing abundance in nature can improve one’s mood and can build a sense of connection to our natural world.
Difficult Thoughts and Emotions? On Mark, Set, Go!
Coping with Difficult Thoughts and Emotions?
We are here for you!
We know you are not alone. GBC counsellors made a series of wellness videos that you might find quite helpful. These videos are hosted by George Brown College counsellors. They explore topics like better unhelpful thoughts, sleep, mindfulness and more. You can also reach out and speak with a counsellor” and please include a link to the counselling services page here.
They also have a monthly podcast, Let's Talk, which features George Brown counsellors who aim to provide you with helpful tips and topical information related to student well-being and holistic living. You can find it on various platforms, or listen to it right on our site!
Let’s Start Connections 
Supportive and meaningful connections with others are key to our mental and physical wellbeing.
Check out opportunities to connect with others through Athletics and Recreation, PeerConnect, Black Student Success Network (BSSN) and more.
For more information check out the Staying Healthy Off-Campus page.
Reduce Stress with Mindfulness
Being a student can often feel stressful.
Mindfulness can help us be more present and calm inside. Mindfulness can also help us to be more kind towards ourselves when we exercise. When we are present and kind, we can listen better to what our bodies really need and what physical activities feel nourishing.
Check out our own GBC mindfulness videos.
